DAVOS — At the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2024, executives from Europe and MENA gathered for a crucial discussion hosted by Roland Berger, in collaboration with Creative Dock, focused on the transition from hardware to software dominance in industries worldwide.

The event, titled ‘Software Supremacy: From Hardware to Software and Beyond,’ convened 80 top-tier C-suite executives to explore the profound shift reshaping global industries. Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Integrity, Governance & Sustainability, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the pivotal role of governance in driving industry transformation.

Jungo Brüngger highlighted Mercedes-Benz’s strategic use of governance as an enabler for trust, particularly amidst the transition to a software-centric paradigm. She underscored the integration of sustainability into the company’s core processes, aligning compliance, risk management, and strategic decision-making with sustainability objectives.

Following the keynote, a panel featuring Thomas Saueressig, Executive Board Member of SAP SE, SAP Product Engineering, and Prof. Dr. Tobias Gutmann, Assistant Professor of Product Innovation at EBS Business School, moderated by Manuel Hörl of Creative Dock, delved into the implications of AI and emerging technologies on business operations and global sustainability trends.

The consensus among panelists was clear: AI will revolutionize business operations, with early adopters poised to gain a significant competitive advantage. Marcus Berret, Global Managing Director at Roland Berger, emphasized the transformative potential of AI, stressing the importance of ethical frameworks and policy guidelines to ensure responsible implementation.

Berret stated, “Companies and institutions embracing AI can drive efficiency, innovation, and collaboration, but ethical considerations must underpin these advancements. With our expertise, we assist clients in deploying tailored AI solutions to navigate this transformative landscape.”

Martin Pejsa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Creative Dock, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the imperative for companies to integrate AI into their strategies and operations to remain competitive and innovative.

Pejsa remarked, “The Davos forum reaffirmed AI’s transformative impact on businesses. Our approach at Creative Dock prioritizes strategy development and practical proofs-of-concept to empower companies in leveraging AI effectively.”

The discussion underscored the urgent need for organizations to embrace AI and software-centric strategies to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As industry leaders chart a course towards AI integration, responsible governance and strategic foresight will be critical in realizing the full potential of this technological evolution.